Arma and pterygium

Abstract

Disorders of the Conjunctiva are a common source of eye complaints, because the surface of the eye is exposed to various external influences. With age, the Conjunctiva can stretch and loosen from the underlying Sclera, leading to the formation of many disorders. Degenerative conditions are one such example. Degeneration refers to the process by which tissue deteriorates and loses its  functional ability due to traumatic injury, aging and  wear and tear. Pterygium, the commonest conjunctival degeneration is having the similarities with the disease Arma in our classics even with regards to both medical and surgical management. The prevalence rate of Pterygium vary widely from 2% to 29%, higher in tropics than temperate altitudes. Pterygium, usually affects aged persons, with more incidence in men. It may be unilateral or bilateral usually affecting the nasal than the temporal side.   Arma is one among the sandhigata rogas as explained in our classics, is a chedana sadhya vyadhi. The methods adopted by our acharyas in performing the shastra karma are identical with the steps followed by the modern ophthalmologist even till date.